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Business

Passion rather than extra income is driving these side hustles

Ben and Evie's social accounts bring an income through sponsorship and selling apparel. (Supplied: Ben Svenson)

More Australians are turning to creative ways to earn income on the side, many coupling a second gig with a pursuit of their hobbies.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that 867,000 Australians have second jobs, ranging from moonlighting to operating their own business.

Ben Svenson's day job is at a steel manufacturing business while his partner Evie Black is a dental nurse. 

Their passion for fishing is shared on multiple social media accounts as Northern Addicts, from which they derive an income through sponsorship and selling apparel. 

"It's easier gathering content when it's something you're passionate about," Ben said.

"At the end of the day you've got to enjoy what you're doing. so fishing is what we enjoy."

His favourite aspect of the Northern Addicts account is the people he meets and relationships built with those who follow the pair.

"I'm a Sydney Swans supporter and I'm constantly talking with a few of the boys from the Sydney Swans," he said.

"They're pretty keen to come fishing at some stage so hopefully that develops. I'm also talking to some boys from the NRL.

Hand in hand

William Upchurch works at the City of Greater Geraldton Regional Art Gallery in addition to creating and selling his own artwork. 

He said the latter was more about more spending time on his creative passion than deriving additional income.

"I think the money is a bonus," he said.

"I really enjoy the creative process. And then being able to sell it and have people appreciate what I'm making is really special."

Will Upchurch is a talented artist who sells works from pottery to paintings.   (Supplied: Will Upchurch)

Mr Upchurch said the job complements his permanent part-time role at the gallery.

"I'm enjoying the balance of regular work three days a week, and then being able to pour the extra time into my creative stuff," he said.

Mr Upchurch said also he needed to learn business skills to accompany his skills as an artist.

"The business side is much tougher," he said.

"When you create something you've poured your time and creativity into it, and then you're putting a price on it.

"It's scary. If people don't buy it maybe they don't like your artwork. Or have you overpriced it?

"So I've spent a lot of time researching."

Flexibility for other hobbies

Brooke Smit studies social work part-time at Geraldton Universities Centre, works at a cafe, and runs her own business as a support worker.

"My job as a support worker complements my study, which is social work. It helps me to do my job," she said.

"Cafe work is completely different though. I'm still working with people, but it gives me some diversity in my work and it's always something interesting to do."

Working in hospitality and running her own business gives Brook Smit the flexibility to enjoy her hobbies. (Supplied: Brooke Smit)

Ms Smit said that running her own business gave her flexibility when her other roles were stressful.

"Having my own business as a support worker helps me take time off when needed … so it's less stressful that way.

"I get burnt out sometimes, but I do love what I do."

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